Millennium Machine Milo - CAM Projects

[PFarm]

Figured I'd start a thread where we can showcase parts made on the Milo 

Today, I spent some time learning CAM in Fusion 360. For the record, with the personal version of Fusion 360, the tool change requires a separate operation. First part is going to be the Fixature Clamps, a F3D file is available for download with the CAM operations. It's great to test your mill operation, but not much of a learning experience.

With my CAM setup, I wanted a different parts orientation in the vice, plus my stock was 25mm x 25mm instead of the 20mm x 10mm. Tomorrow I'll upload the files to the mill and we'll see how it turns out.

[PFarm]

I didn't like the small footprint of the Fixature Clamp, so I modelled some beefy boys. First complete print, I need to fix some machine issues, but all in all, pretty pleased. This was using a single flute end mill. I've got some 3 and 4-flute ones coming, which gives you a smoother finish.

Attached are the step and F3D with the cam operation

Fixated clamp - Tall Boy v2.step  Fixated clamp - Tall Boy v1.f3d

Keep in mind if you're going to use the f3d cam file, the vise orientation is front to back

 

Edited June 23 by PFarm

[Jerazmus]

Hey PFarm. I just received my Milo kit from LDO. I am almost done printing the parts and will start my build soon. I am jumping into cnc milling head first and have never done it before so I’m learning from 0 here. Do you know any stores of info on all this where I can narrow down my searching randomly on things? I’m having a hard time finding info that’s dense and informative. I understand it will be a long road learning but I’m prepared. Thanks for any info and I will be watching your posts. 

[PFarm]

@Jerazmus Well, I'm in the same boat; it's been a long process to get here. There isn't a single place to get all the information you need. Unfortunately, the available information either deals with industrial CNC machines or router-type wood-cutting machines. Millennium Machines on Discord is a good source since it deals directly with our Milo mill. It involves lots of searching and reading.

I had to learn Fusion 360 design (still on basics), Fusion 360 Cam (very new to this). @Penatr8tor is a great help when it comes to Fusion 360 designs.

Are you planning on building the Casa enclosure as well, or some type of enclosure? The chips that come off this mill are unreal! The reason I ask is for mounting the electronics, not having to move them a second time into Casa. Jake England on Discord (designer of the Milo) has put together an electronics box, which is an alternative to mounting the electronics under the mill.

Post your build in here when you get it started. We love to follow along with your progress. We are all here to help, so please reach out.

Edited June 21 by PFarm

[Jerazmus]

I do plan on building an enclosure after I get the machine running. I wanted to do a stand alone electronics enclosure regardless for ease of work. Coming from the voron 2.4 with stuff on the bottom made me learn that quality of life need for other things I have built. The fusion thing, I am still a beginner as I have learned some on Shapr3d. But I need to learn fusion as well in order to do this. I retain info pretty well and learn by doing so I like to have 2 screens open and do some design along with the teacher sorta videos. Makes me retain the info. Thanks for posting all the stuff you have. It’s made me realize I want to go with the Scylla board so I don’t run into memory problems and there’s voltage options further along once I figure what I need for what I will be making. (Which I’m totally not sure what to make yet). Probably printer parts and other parts for stage lighting fixtures as I do this for work from time to time and need some things they don’t make. Anyways, I really appreciate your logging of your work. It’s very helpful to me.

[PFarm]

When you put your enclosure together, you'll need to get the cabling into the electronics bay. On Discord, one of the guys used these connectors much cheaper than the route I went with, Deutsch connectors. It requires some soldering, though, if you're ok with that.

 

 

 

Edited June 21 by PFarm

[Jerazmus]

Absolutely. I solder quite often. Those look nice. I also have some audio connectors that are waterproof and quick connects. I may be able to use but they don’t have that many pinouts. I really appreciate the time you’re lending to me with the info. Thank you. 

[NikosSprocket]

Thanks @PFarm for starting this thread. Last time I used a CNC mill was at college, and we wrote the g-code manually! 

Using Fusion360 for milling will be a new experience for me too. Just for giggles, I started watching an AutoDesk tutorial for creating pockets, and immediately I got the feeling that CAD milling, makes CAD design/FDM look like Lego!

Cheers!

PS. The Deutsch connectors look great, and I think a great choice for a milling machine.

[PFarm]

Second attempt at the tall boy after some machine tuning. The top chamfer is off, but the bottom one is bang on; it's a probe issue, or it moved in the vise. More learning curve!

To complete the part, I need to drill the holes in the drill press, and I'm going to counterbore the top holes for M5.

 

 

Edited June 23 by PFarm

[PFarm]

This guy has some excellent videos on CAM and design operations. They are well explained with some great demos. Link Here

[Jerazmus]

Thanks for the link. Those will be helpful. What did you fill your ballast with in the main body of the Milo? I’m thinking lead shot or something? Did you machine your own vice or did you purchase? I def need something to work with once I get my build going. I just finished printing all the parts in ASA. I bought the LDO kit so it has a lot of quality of life parts. Nice kit!  I’m starting from zero in CNC knowledge. I mean I understand everything but knowing how to design parts with subtractive manufacturing is a little different way of thinking than I am used to. Also, know of a good place to purchase blank stock?

Edited Saturday at 08:53 PM by Jerazmus

[PFarm]

@Jerazmus Your welcome. 

• I haven't filled the ballast yet. I'm thinking of filling the hole column when the mill comes up for maintenance.
• Anything to add weight to it to dampen vibration/frequencies
• It' purchased from Saunders Metal Work - Hobby Vice M6.
• LDO make quality kits
• I also started at zero knowledge of CNC, other than wanting a mill and put the effort into learning what was required to operate it. (lots of ready) Discord is a lot of help.
• I've bought stock from Temu and Aliexpress, also look if a metal shop in your area offers off-cuts.
• By being prepared, you will make mistakes and most likely snap some bits - ask me how I know 
• If you're interested in milling your vice down the road, here's a good link for the step files. I'm looking at milling the double vice.

Edited Saturday at 09:50 PM by PFarm

[Jerazmus]

@PFarm  I figured breaking bits is sort of the initiation of club cnc. I’ve been learning about inner radii and the size bit for said cut. Thanks for all the info. It’s super helpful. I have def been reading your build. Getting excited to learn the programming portion of things. Is cam part of the fusion maker version or is it extra? Sorry to ask so many questions but you are far ahead of me in the stage of your machine. Thanks again. 

[PFarm]

@Jerazmus Don't be sorry, ask away! CAM (manufacturing section) is included in the personal version with some restrictions, like tool changes.  In the example below, there would be a total of five operations. The tool 3 x tool #13 would be Op#1, tool #3 Op#2, 2 x tool #6 Op#3, flip the part over tool #13 Op#4, 2 x tool #6 Op#5.

[NikosSprocket]

Btw If you are going to buy Fusion360 do not select the automatic subscription. At the end of the year, they will offer you a much higher discount to continue with it. If I remember correctly, it's 30% off. They offer it a few times a year and at the end of your yearly subscription.